In California, Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau has identified a woman found dead as Holly Lynn Dreyer, killed by Steven Floyd Howard.

Police detailed the shooting which left Dreyer, 49, dead, killed by Howard, 56, with a firearm believed to have been used in the killing was found in close proximity.

Police reportedly forced entry into the home on the 37800 block of Third Street near Niles Community Park shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Authorities found Dreyer, Howard and a dog dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Police spokeswoman Geneva Bosques said police believe the man shot his wife and the Australian Shepherd, then went to another part of the home and shot himself.

Bosques said neighbors reported hearing an argument inside the home and then gunshots, which they first thought were firecrackers.

Investigators determined the slaying was a murder-suicide based on evidence at the scene and statements collected from family members and neighbors, police said.

A motive has not been determined yet and Bosques said there are “multiple facets of the relationship we are looking at that led up to the incident.”

Fremont police said anyone with information about the case should call Detective Steven Nordeth at (510) 790-6900.

photo/Alan Cleaver

About the Author

Kaye Wonderhouse - Catherine "Kaye" Wonderhouse, a proud descendant of the Wunderhaus family is the Colorado Correspondent who will add more coverage, interviews and reports from this midwest area.

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